LNG cold ironing in Hamburg

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Becker Marine Systems, Hapag-Lloyd, and HHLA have trialled a mobile power generator that runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Becker Marine Systems' onshore power supply solution is a two FEU-big Becker LNG PowerPac - a unit comprising a gas-powered generator and an LNG tank - that has been installed at the HHLA Container Terminal Burchardkai.

As soon as a container ship docks, a gantry lifts the mobile 1.5-MW power generator from the quay into position at the stern of the ship. Once there, it is connected to the ship's power system, thus making it possible to switch off the auxiliary diesel engines. A prototype has been tested multiple times on-board a few of Hapag-Lloyd's 20,000 TEU container ships.

"We can safely say that the pilot phase was a complete success, and we thank our partners for the great teamwork. The Becker LNG PowerPac® represents a straightforward solution for the reduction of harmful emissions in the port and has the potential to be implemented internationally. We are in conversation with a variety of European and Chinese ports, and we are confident that the Becker LNG PowerPac® can be successful on the market," Dirk Lehmann, Managing Director, Becker Marine Systems, commented.

Anthony J. Firmin, Executive Board Member for Shipping, Hapag-Lloyd, added, "As a global company based in Hamburg, we were more than happy to support the tests. Shoreside power is an important component in our extensive efforts to make our business even more sustainable."

"We are delighted to add our experience and expertise to this important pilot project for the Port of Hamburg. From what we can see, the tests have been very successful so far. PowerPac handling might well be integrated into our terminal processes," Jens Hansen, HHLA Executive Board Member, also said.

Enak Ferlemann, Parliamentary State Secretary for the Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, which awarded a seven-figure sum to fund the development of the new technology as part of the government's mobility and fuel strategy, summed up by saying, "Air pollution control is very important, especially in ports in densely populated areas. We therefore support sustainable and alternative power units and innovations like the LNG power packs, which contribute to modernising shipping and reducing emissions."